معرفی
Kelland Thomas is Dean of the School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences and Professor of Music & Technology at Stevens Institute of Technology. He leads strategic initiatives including enrollment growth, research expansion, and partnerships with Nokia Bell Labs and the United Jazz Foundation. Previously, he served at the University of Arizona (UA) for 19 years as founding Associate Director of the School of Information and Director of the Creative Coding Lab. His research focuses on AI in music, notably the DARPA-funded MUSICAL project and Virtual Harlem VR migration. As a saxophonist, he has performed globally with prestigious ensembles and recorded critically acclaimed albums, including a Grammy-nominated work. He holds degrees in Computer Science and Music Performance.
Education: BS (2008) Computer Science, University of Arizona; MM (1997) Music Theory, DMA (1997) Saxophone Performance, BM (1994) Saxophone Performance, all from University of Michigan and Michigan State University.
Research interests span AI-driven musical improvisation, virtual reality applications in the arts, and interdisciplinary creativity. His grants include $2.3M from DARPA for MUSICAL and collaborations with Bryan Carter on Virtual Harlem. Awards include top honors at international chamber music competitions and recognition in the IBM Watson AI XPRIZE.
Advising and grants highlight his leadership in academic innovation, including fellowships for faculty and industry partnerships. He oversees labs like the UA Creative Coding Lab and contributes to projects such as GURU (AI for social good) and Trad & Soul (traditional jazz fusion).
